Apparatus and methods for phototherapy

ABSTRACT

There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through or in proximity to one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/295,677, filed on Mar. 7, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/635,160, filed on Mar. 2, 2015, now, U.S. Pat.No. 10,238,889, issued on Mar. 26, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/104,012 filed Apr. 16, 2008, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,968,221, issued on Mar. 3, 2015. Issued U.S. Pat. No.8,968,221, in turn, claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 60/912,284 filed Apr. 17, 2007; 60/976,554 filed Oct.1, 2007; and 60/983,719 filed Oct. 30, 2007, the entire disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for phototherapy.

BACKGROUND

Phototherapy relates to treatment of biological tissues, such as skintissues, using visible, ultraviolet, and/or infrared lights. The lighttreatment may be applied solely for sterilization, pain relief,bio-modulation, and photo-rejuvenation. Alternatively, the treatment maybe used in combination with certain photo-sensitive drugs or nutritionsupplements. In comparison with laser surgery, the light intensityemployed in phototherapy is much lower. Thus the light sources used inphototherapy are not limited to lasers but may include light emittingdiodes (LEDs) and/or certain types of lamps as well. Typicalapplications of phototherapy include wound healing, cellulite reduction,skin rejuvenation, pain relief, fat reduction and contouring, laseracupuncture, pressure ulcer treatment, etc.

It is well known in the prior art that phototherapy may be applied incombination with other treatment methods such as local heating/cooling,magnetic therapy, mechanical massage involving rolling, kneading,vibrating components, etc. Some examples can be found in U.S. Pat. No.7,033,382 to Lach; and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20060253051 to Milneet al, 20060235494, 20040236252 to Muzzi et al, and 20070073366 toPorco. However, none of the prior art disclosure suggests to applyphototherapy with other treatment methods in a concerted manner, wherephototherapy and some or all of the other treatment methods are appliedto the same target area and benefit from each other thereby producingsignificantly improved therapeutic results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, wherein the therapeuticlight is delivered through or in proximity to one or more massagecomponents. The massage component provides mechanical massage to asubject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subjecttissue in thickness, density, local pressure, micro-circulation, etc. tofacilitate the absorption and interaction of the therapeutic light withthe subject tissue and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure.Meanwhile, the therapeutic light in its interaction with the illuminatedtissue also facilitates and enhances the effect of the mechanicalmassage.

A phototherapy apparatus for treatment of a biological tissue isprovided. The phototherapy apparatus comprising: at least one lightsource to provide therapeutic light to be absorbed by the biologicaltissue to produce a first therapeutic effect; and at least one massagecomponent to provide mechanical massage to the biological tissue toproduce a second therapeutic effect. The therapeutic light andmechanical massage are applied to the biological tissue in a concertedmanner. The mechanical massage modifies a plurality of properties orconditions of the biological tissue to facilitate absorption orinteraction of the therapeutic light with the biological tissue toimprove the first therapeutic effect. The therapeutic light modifies aplurality of properties or conditions of the biological tissue toimprove the second therapeutic effect.

A method for making a phototherapy apparatus for treatment of abiological tissue is provided. The method comprising the steps of:providing at least one light source to provide therapeutic light to beabsorbed by the biological tissue to produce a first therapeutic effect;and providing at least one massage component to provide mechanicalmassage to the biological tissue to produce a second therapeutic effect.The therapeutic light and mechanical massage are applied to thebiological tissue in a concerted manner. The mechanical massage modifiesa plurality of properties or conditions of the biological tissue tofacilitate absorption or interaction of the therapeutic light with thebiological tissue to improve the first therapeutic effect. Thetherapeutic light modifies a plurality of properties or conditions ofthe biological tissue to improve the second therapeutic effect.

A method for treatment of biological tissue with phototherapy isprovided. The method comprising the steps of: providing at least onelight source to provide therapeutic light to be absorbed by thebiological tissue to produce a first therapeutic effect; and providingat least one massage component to provide mechanical massage to thebiological tissue to produce a second therapeutic effect. Thetherapeutic light and mechanical massage are applied to the biologicaltissue in a concerted manner. The mechanical massage modifies aplurality of properties or conditions of the biological tissue tofacilitate absorption or interaction of the therapeutic light with thebiological tissue to improve the first therapeutic effect. Thetherapeutic light modifies a plurality of properties or conditions ofthe biological tissue to improve the second therapeutic effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages allin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 a ' illustrates one exemplified embodiment of the phototherapyapparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through atransparent massage ball.

FIG. 1 a illustrates one exemplified embodiment of the phototherapyapparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through atransparent massage ball.

FIG. 1 b illustrates the operation procedure of the phototherapyapparatus of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 illustrates a slight variation of the phototherapy apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in which liquid or air can be delivered around the massage ballthrough an array of holes.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplified embodiment of the phototherapyapparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered from inside of atransparent massage roller.

FIG. 4 illustrates a slight variation of the phototherapy apparatus ofFIG. 3 , in which the massage roller is made of non-transparent materialcomprising a matrix of holes.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third exemplified embodiment of the phototherapyapparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered in proximity to amassage component.

FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth exemplified embodiment of the phototherapyapparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered in proximity totwo massage rollers rolling in opposite directions.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate another variation of the phototherapyapparatus of FIG. 2 , in which the massage ball has a diffusive orscattering optical surface.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent invention, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to phototherapy. Accordingly, the apparatus components andmethod steps have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention soas not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

In the first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 a 'and FIG. 1 a , the phototherapy apparatus 100 comprises a rollingmassage ball 102 coupled to a top of a hand piece 104. The massage ball102 can rotate freely in all directions (a 360° freedom of movement) ina chamber 105 of the hand piece 104 with controlled friction. Thetherapeutic light emitted from a laser or a light emitting diode (LED)(both not shown) is first coupled into or carried by an optical fiber106 and then delivered onto the massage ball 102 through a beam expander108 wherein the therapeutic light beam is expended therefore. Themassage ball 102 is transparent at the wavelength of the therapeuticlight. Thus the subject therapeutic light will transmit through themassage ball 102 to the biological tissue for treatment purposes. In aslight variation of the embodiment, the therapeutic light can bedelivered onto the massage ball via free space optics or other types oflight guides all of which are contemplated by the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 b , the phototherapy apparatus 100 is utilizedto treat a skin tissue 112, where the therapeutic light 110 is deliveredthrough the transparent massage ball 102. When a force is applied ontothe hand piece (not shown), the massage ball 102 will roll on the skintissue 112 and deliver a pressure on the skin tissue in contact with themassage ball 102. On one hand, this rolling and kneading action causesan increase in blood circulation and fluid mobilization of thesubcutaneous tissue, smoothes and firms the subject anatomy. Thuslipolysis is restored and fat cell metabolism is reactivated, resultingin the reduction of fat tissue and smoothing of cellulite. It also canhelp for the relief of muscle aches and pain. On the other hand, theaction also causes a reduction in skin thickness and an increase in skindensity. This change in skin tissue property helps to reduce the overallabsorption and scattering loss of the therapeutic light 110 and allowsthe therapeutic light 110 to penetrate deeper under the skin and inducestronger photochemical processes, e.g, increase of ATP (adenosinetriphosphate), triggering of photo neurological response and activationof enzymes, changes in local pressure, increases in temperature andpermeability of cellular membranes. Since the massage ball 102 is incontact with the skin tissue 112, the therapeutic light 110 willpenetrate into the skin tissue 112 directly with no air interface. Thisfeature allows the practitioner to control the intensity of thedelivered therapeutic light in a more accurate manner. The photobio-modulation in turn helps to enhance the effect of the mechanicalmassage by stimulating inter or intra cellular response, increasingmicro-circulation, etc.

In a slight variation of the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 , theball chamber 105 of the hand piece 104 comprises an array of holes 114formed adjacent to the massage ball 102. Through these holes,cooling/warming air/liquid, or massage oil/lubricant with specifictherapeutical effects may be delivered to the skin tissue during thetreatment process. The cooling/warming air/liquid may be used forthermal therapy, while the massage oil/lubricant may help tosoften/soothe the skin tissue and maintain its moisture level. Thecombined mechanical massage and photo bio-stimulation can enhance theresponse of the skin tissue to the massage oil/lubricant and allow sameto penetrate deeper so as to be absorbed by inner skin tissues. Theeffect of such enhancements include, but are not limited to, increasedmicro-circulation, elevated temperature, and stimulated inter or intracellular response. As another possibility, a gap can be introducedbetween the massage ball 102 and the chamber 105 for deliveringcooling/warming air/liquid, or massage oil/lubricant to the subjecttissue. The cooling/warming air/liquid, or massage oil/lubricant can beinjected into the chamber 105 through a tube 116 connected to the handpiece 104.

In another variation of the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 7 a andFIG. 7 b , the massage ball 102 may have a diffusive or scatteringoptical surface, which is capable of spreading the transmitted lightinto various angles and directions. The diffusive surface can beprepared by forming some type of micro-structures on the surface of themassage ball, or by coating a layer of diffusive optical material on themassage ball. Referring to FIG. 7 a , when the massage ball 102 is notin contact with the skin tissue 112, the therapeutic light 110 isdiffused by the diffusive surface as it transmits through the massageball into air. Thus the transmitted light 114 has an increased spreadangle and hence a reduced light intensity when viewed from a distanceaway. This reduction in viewed light intensity enhances the safety levelof the phototherapy apparatus. In comparison, when the massage ball 102is in contact with the skin tissue 112 as shown in FIG. 7 b , thetransmitted light 114 is much less distorted or spread. This is due tothe fact that the skin in contact with the surface of the massage ballserves as an optical index matching medium which effectively reducesdiffusing or scattering cause by the massage ball surface. Hence, thelight beam is effectively delivered into the tissue with desireddirection, angle, power density, depth, and intensity distribution. Asanother variation, certain optical index matching liquids, gels,suspension particles, powders may be applied between the massage ball102 and the skin tissue 112 to further enhance light transmittance andreduce the light distortion caused by the massage ball surface. Thoseoptical index matching media may also have therapeutic or pharmaceuticaleffect to further improve the effect of phototherapy.

In yet another variation of the present embodiment, the massage ball (orsimply an optical window with curved surface) 102 is rigidly affixed tothe chamber 105 and moves together or in unison with the hand piece 104.In this variation, the mechanical massage is performed by kneading thesubject tissue 112 with the massage ball 102 without the rolling action.

In yet another variation of the present embodiment, a motor is installedin the hand piece 104 and mechanically coupled to massage ball 102 togenerate rolling, kneading, and/or vibration movements of the massageball 102.

One application of the phototherapy apparatus 100 is relieving the painassociated with migraine headaches, in which therapeutic light isdelivered through the transparent massage ball to the forehead, temples,paranasal sinus, and/or neck of the patient. The optical properties ofthe massage ball, such as its refractive index, diameter or curvature,etc. can be utilized to shape the light beam to an ideal spot size orvalue. The phototherapy apparatus 100 may further comprise a touchsensor (not shown) or a pressure sensor (also not shown), such as aspring loaded device feature to control the on/off status of the lightsource in such a way that the light source can only be turned on whenthe massage ball touches the skin tissue. This helps to improve thesafety of laser treatments around the eye by limiting the chance oflaser exposure to the eye directly. Other applications of thephototherapy apparatus 100 comprise cellulite reduction, skinrejuvenation, pain relief, fat reduction and/or contouring, laseracupuncture, wound healing, and/or pressure ulcer treatment.

As can be seen, a variety of embodiments are possible within the scopeof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the second embodiment of the phototherapyapparatus comprises a hollow massage roller 302 with an array oftherapeutic laser diodes or LEDs 304 mounted along an inner axis 308within the roller 302. Each of the laser diodes or LEDs 304 is designedto emit therapeutic light 306 with a predetermined divergence angle (θ)as shown in the figure. The roller 302 is made of material transparentto the wavelength of the therapeutic light 306. Correspondingly, whenthe roller 302 is applied to roll across a subject tissue surface toprovide mechanical massage, the therapeutic light 306 simultaneouslyinduce photo bio-modulation in the massaged tissue to produce enhancedphototherapy results.

In a slight variation of the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 , thephototherapy apparatus comprises a hollow massage roller 402 made ofmaterial not transparent at the wavelength of the therapeutic light 406,where the therapeutic light 406 is produced by an array of therapeuticlaser diodes or LEDs 404 mounted along the inner axis 408 of the massageroller 402. The massage roller 402 comprises a matrix of holes 410 whichcan let the therapeutic light 406 pass through to produce a patternedillumination onto the surface of the subject tissue. This kind ofspatially modulated illumination pattern can further enhance the photobio-modulation effect. In this embodiment, a positive or negative airpressure from a pressure source (not shown) may be applied through thematrix of holes as an added way to manipulate the treatment area. Eithercooled or warm/hot air can be blown through the holes for decreasing orincreasing the temperature of the skin. Alternatively, the massageroller 402 can be made of material transparent to the wavelength of thetherapeutic light 406 except part of the roller surface is covered bypatches of non-transparent materials to produce a patternedillumination.

In the third embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 5 ,the therapeutic light sources 504 are mounted on a fixture 508mechanically coupled to a massage component 502. The therapeutic light506 produced by the light source 504 is delivered to the subject tissue512 along a path proximal to the massage component 502. As the massagecomponent 502 rolls across the tissue 512, the therapeutic light 506induces photochemical reaction in the massaged tissue 512 before thetissue restores to its original state. Thus similar enhancement inphototherapy result is produced. In this embodiment, the massagecomponent 502 needs not to be transparent to the therapeutic light 506.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the fourth embodiment of the phototherapyapparatus comprises two massage rollers 602 rolling in oppositedirections, or with different rolling speeds or different surfacefrictions. Those rolling movements cause a portion of the tissue 612between the two rollers 602 to be squeezed and therefore increasing inheight. By illuminating the raised tissue with the therapeutic light606, either through, or in proximity to the two rollers 602, the innerlayer of the tissue, which is hard to reach when illuminated from top ofthe tissue, can be treated with the phototherapy procedure. The heightof the raised tissue can be further increased by employing a vacuumsucker (not shown) on top of the rollers and mechanically coupledthereto.

The disclosed phototherapy apparatus can be used on animal subjects aswell. For these veterinarian applications, a comb or comb-like component(not shown) can be integrated in front of the massage/phototherapycomponent to part the hair of the animal before massage/phototherapytreatment of the skin underneath is performed.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the artappreciates that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theclaims below. For example, the therapeutic light source and the massagecomponent are not limited to the presently disclosed forms. Accordingly,the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features orelements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely bythe appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency ofthis application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

What is claimed is:
 1. A phototherapy apparatus for treatment of abiological tissue, the phototherapy apparatus comprising: a hand piece;a light source coupled to the hand piece, the light source configured toemit light; an optical window rigidly coupled to the hand piece andconfigured to transmit the light; an optical fiber configured to receivethe light emitted from the light source and to carry the light; and alight guide coupled to the hand piece and spaced apart from the opticalwindow, the light guide configured to transmit the light carried by theoptical fiber to a surface of the optical window.
 2. The phototherapyapparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical window has a diffusive opticalsurface configured to increase a spread angle of the light transmittedfrom the optical window.
 3. The phototherapy apparatus of claim 1,wherein the light source comprises a laser.
 4. The phototherapyapparatus of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a lightemitting diode.
 5. The phototherapy apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a tube coupled to the hand piece and configured fordelivering a fluid substance from one or more locations adjacent to theoptical window.
 6. The phototherapy apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a touch sensor coupled to the handle and configured to detectcontact between the optical window and a skin tissue.
 7. Thephototherapy apparatus of claim 6, wherein the touch sensor isconfigured to turn on the light source based on detecting contactbetween the optical window and the skin tissue.
 8. The phototherapyapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motor coupled to the handpiece and configured to generate a vibrational movement of the opticalwindow.
 9. A method comprising: applying a phototherapy apparatus to atissue surface, wherein the phototherapy apparatus comprises: a handpiece; a light source coupled to the hand piece, the light sourceconfigured to emit light; an optical window rigidly coupled to the handpiece and configured to transmit the light; an optical fiber configuredto receive the light emitted from the light source and to carry thelight; and a light guide coupled to the hand piece and spaced apart fromthe optical window, the light guide configured to transmit the lightcarried by the optical fiber to a surface of the optical window, whereinthe applying the phototherapy apparatus to the tissue surface deliverstherapeutic light and mechanical massage to the tissue surface in aconcerted manner.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the phototherapyapparatus further comprises a touch sensor coupled to the handle that isconfigured to detect contact between the optical window and the tissuesurface.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the therapeutic light isdelivered at least in part in response to the touch sensor detectingcontact between the optical window and the tissue surface.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the phototherapy apparatus is configured fordelivering a fluid substance from one or more locations adjacent to theoptical window.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprisingdelivering, from the one or more locations adjacent to the opticalwindow, warmed air to the tissue surface.
 14. The method of claim 12,further comprising delivering, from the one or more locations adjacentto the optical window, massage oil to the tissue surface.
 15. The methodof claim 9, wherein the phototherapy apparatus further comprises a motorcoupled to the hand piece and configured to generate a vibrationmovement of the optical window.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising activating the motor, and wherein the applying thephototherapy apparatus to the tissue surface delivers vibratorymovements from the optical window to the tissue surface.